Performance

Chas, a violent and psychotic East End gangster, has the proverbial everything: money, women, cars and parties. Though he’s the man, he accidentally treads on the wrong guy’s toes during a hit that should have never happened. He needs to lay low and finds the perfect cover in a guest house run by the mysterious Mr. Turner (Mick Jagger). Turner, to his own devices, snares Chas into the bohemian lifestyle and ferries him onto his freaky planet. And when worlds collide (said George Pal to his bride), you’re gonna get some terrible thrills.

Kaja Klimek

12th New Horizons IFF Catalogue

Donald Cammell (1934–1996) – British director and screenwriter born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He began his career as a painter and by the mid-’60s was celebrated among the ‘Swinging London’ crowd. His directorial debut came with Performance (1970), for which he also wrote the script. After that, he made three more features, a documentary and video for Irish rock band U2. When his final film as a director, Wild Side (1995), was re-edited by the producers, the despondent Cammell ultimately took his own life. The director’s cut of the film released in 2000 was lauded by critics. 2005 saw the release of the novel Fan-Tan, which Cammell penned with Marlon Brando in 1978.

12th New Horizons IFF Catalogue

Nicolas Roeg (1928–2018) – British director and cinematographer. He debuted as an editor in 1947 before starting work as a director a decade later. His DOP credits include François Truffaut’s Fahrenheit 451 (1966). His directorial style includes mosaic montage and experimental shots that free his films from classic narration. His debut was deemed a sensational precursor – a decade ahead of the music video style. Directors citing his influence include Tony Scott, Steven Soderbergh and Danny Boyle.

12th New Horizons IFF Catalogue